Vikings film studio gets go-ahead for expansion

Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha in Vikings, which was filmed at Ashford Studios, WicklowALAMY

A proposed state-of-the-art €90 million extension for the Wicklow film studio where Vikings is shot has been given the go-ahead.

Ashford Studios, in the townland of Ballyhenry, was granted planning permission by Wicklow county council for the expansion, which will include four new film studios, a TV studio and a visitor centre, as well as creating up to 1,500 jobs.

The plan also includes plans for a car park with space for 100 coaches and 600 cars. Shelley Hargadon, director of Ashford Studios said work was set to begin on the project in June.

“Wicklow has a long history of film-making — we have highly skilled crews in the area, beautiful locations and are close to Dublin Airport but we have been lacking infrastructure,” she said.…